Thread by @RSASIU

Investigators from the SIU are currently at the offices of Matlosana Local Municipality in Klerksdorp, NW to action a search and seizure warrant. The SIU got a warrant on Thursday to raid municipal offices as part of its investigation into COVID-19 PPE procurement corruption.

The SIU approached a magistrate for a search and seizure warrant as investigators were experiencing resistance on the part of the municipality. The SIU will not hesitate to press criminal charges against any individual who tries to interfere with its investigation.

The SIU has sealed the municipal building and employees were advised to go home.

Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa signed PROCLAMATION R23 of 2020 in July authorizing SIU to investigate PPE procurement in State institutions.The investigation looks at transactions that took place between 1 Jan and 23 July or which took place prior to 1 January or after Proclamation date.

The proclamation authorizes the SIU to look at alleged:
(1) serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the State institutions;
(2) improper or unlawful conduct by the officials or employees of the State institutions;

3) unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property;
(4) unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice having a bearing upon State property;

(5) intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property;
(6) unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public or any category thereof.

The SIU investigation at Matlosana Municipality is focusing on the COVID-19 PPE procurement of or contracting for goods, works and services.

The investigation also looks at the construction, refurbishment, leasing, occupation and use of immovable property, during, or in respect of the national state of disaster by or on behalf of the municipality.

The SIU is also looking at payments made in a manner that was:
(1) not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective;
(2) contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National or Provincial Treasury

(3) conducted by or facilitated through the improper or unlawful conduct of employees or officials of the State institutions; any other person or entity, to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or any other person; fraudulent, and......

any related unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the State institutions or the State.

(4) fraudulent, and any related unauthorized, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality.